ISLAMABAD – The Federal Judicial Academy and United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) have jointly launched “Reimagine Justice for Children Initiative” with a commitment to collaborate on accelerating justice within the child rights agenda in Pakistan.
Mr. Justice Syed Mansoor Ali Shah, Senior Puisne Judge, Supreme Court of Pakistan underscores the need to work together to create a compassionate and just system for children. He was speaking at the launch event of “Reimagine Justice for Children in Pakistan- the Voice of Children- a Joint venture of the Federal Judicial Academy and UNICEF here at the Academy on Saturday.
In his insightful discourse on “Domestication of Global Framework on Justice for Children “said, “ his lordship also emphasized the importance of raising awareness, prioritizing rehabilitation over retribution, and dispelling myths.
Sensitizing the judges of district judiciary and other audiences, Mr. Justice Syed Mansoor Ali Shah said, “The Best interest(s) of a child should be our prime consideration. We need to be more sensitive about our children. Judges must go through the UNCRC and other international instruments to reach out to children. Our constitution is also strong and robust about child rights. Moreover, there is a lot of wisdom in our religion Islam that protects the rights of children. Every child, regardless of gender, race, or disability, has the right to be treated with dignity and respect. The Holy Prophet Muhammad condemned the mistreatment and neglect of children, reinforcing the notion that they should be valued and protected within society.”
“For our children who are not only our future but also our present, we cannot wait to set mechanisms in motion step by step, we must act now. We must prioritize the rights of children because this is essential for them to exercise and enjoy their human
rights today and because it is an investment in our future. We must prioritize child welfare and Judges should adopt a child welfare-based approach,” he maintained.
Mr. Abdullah Fadil, Country Representative, UNICEF, spoke about Global Framework on Justice for Children and also pragmatic steps taken so far to promote child rights in Pakistan.
“Children have specific needs when they come into contact with the justice system, whether they are victims or witnesses of a crime, in need of safety and protection, or they are in conflict with the law. Children need a justice system that is child-centric, accessible and offers equal opportunities for redressal, nurture, empowerment and care. UNICEF is committed to greater investment in children to ensure progress for every child in Pakistan and around the world,” concluded Abdullah Fadil, UNICEF Representative in Pakistan.
Ms. Rabiya Javeri Agha, National Commission Human Rights shed light on “Justice for Children- The Human Rights Perspective”.
Showing her determination she said that the NCHR was committed to take all possible measures, frame policies and launch programs to ensure protection and promotion of rights of children, including children with disabilities. Together, we can make a difference.
The Academy also hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the opening of J4C Interactive Resource Center and the Inauguration of J4C Booth.
Earlier, DG of the Academy, Mr. Hayat Ali Shah spoke about the importance of this launching event on “Reimagine Justice for Children in Pakistan” and a future roadmap to achieve the highest impact of this joint venture with UNICEF.
Mr. Justice Jamal Khan Mandokhail, Hon’ble Judge, Supreme Court of Pakistan, Justice Moshin Akhtar Kayani, Senior Puisne Judge, Islamabad High Court, district judiciary judges, international partners, noted lawyers , human rights and children rights activists, students of law from different educational institutions and law colleges, among others attended, this historical launch event.
